November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
This musket won the Maryland Arms Collector's Association Award at the 2008 Baltimore Show for Best Single Weapon. It is accompanied by a large amphora that measures 8 - 1/2" tall. The weapon is very well documented and is featured in 3 publications, including page 15 of "Gunsmiths of Maryland" by Daniel D. Hartzler & James B. Whisker, page 126 of "Maryland Longrifles" by Hartzler & Whiskers, and page 287 of "American Silver Hilted, Revolutionary and Early Federal Swords, Volume I" by Daniel D. Hartzler. William Whetcroft was a documented silversmith and Committee of Safety musket maker for Maryland. Whetcroft was a silversmith in Cork Island, working near the town gate in Annapolis by March of 1776. According to a letter from the Council of Safety dated October 21, 1775, Whetcroft was to deliver 50 muskets per week for 2 years at a rate of 4 pounds per stand beginning next Spring. They were to be 3 - 1/2 feet (42") in barrel length with a 3/4" (.75) bore. The letter also states that the locks would be double bridled, the stocks of walnut or maple. The letter also agrees to allow Whetcroft to use imported locks on the first 800 stands of muskets, as long as the cost does not exceed 5 shillings each. It is stated that this agreement applies "provided the Differences continue between Great Britain and the Colonies". This musket meets all of those specifications exactly. The tapered 42", .75 caliber round smoothbore barrel is deeply stamped with a "WW" cartouche on the left side, towards the breech. The rectangular cartouche has rounded corners and serrated edges. The top of the barrel is also engraved with "MARYLAND" in block letters. Hartzler states that this mark was requested by the Council of Safety, but very few makers applied it. The lock is in the French style, flat with beveled edges, a bridled faceted pan, and a French type frizzen spring finial. The center is stamped with the same "WW" cartouche. The tail is engraved "1776". The inside of the lockplate also has a hand-engraved "W". The brass furniture includes an American manufactured S-shaped convex sideplate and a buttplate and trigger guard in the exact style of the British Pattern 1738 Sea Service musket. The ramrod ferrules are sheet brass and of American manufacture. Walnut stock resembling British form. Complete with an associated iron ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains a grey patina with scattered darker spots and areas, heavy pitting at breech. Markings excellent. Lock retains a grey and brown patina and is in its original flintlock configuration. Some scattered pitting. Brass retains a pleasing patina. Stock shows scattered marks from use and has generous traces of original crazed finish throughout, some scattered age cracks. Ramrod slightly short. A very important identified, award-winning and well-published Revolutionary War Committee of Safety musket. DMG
Manufacturer
William Whetcroft
Model
Maryland Committee of Safety Musket